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Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele on the New York Congressional Race

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the special election in New York's 23rd congressional district heats up, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele and his party are facing criticism from within and outside for their handling of the nomination process. In a recent interview with Fox News Channel's Neil Cavuto, Steele defended the party's decision to back candidate Dede Scozzafava, who ultimately dropped out of the race and endorsed the Democratic candidate. Steele acknowledged that the party's process was flawed, but emphasized that local party leaders had chosen Scozzafava as their nominee, and that the party should not be dictated to by outsiders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michael Steele, Republican Party Chairman, expressed regret over the party's handling of the nomination process in the New York special election, citing a lack of a primary process and local control over the selection of candidates.
  • Steele stated that the party's goal is to help elected officials win, even if they don't agree with the party's stance on certain issues.
  • Scozzafava's decision to drop out of the race and endorse the Democratic candidate was seen as a blow to the party, but Steele downplayed its significance.
  • Steele warned that the party needs to be careful not to let outsiders interfere with the nomination process in local elections, as this could lead to a repeat of the situation in New York.
  • The chairman emphasized that the Republican Party is a broad-based movement that encompasses conservatives, moderates, and independents.
  • Steele acknowledged that the party is facing a challenge from within, with some Republicans expressing frustration with the party's handling of certain issues.

Statistics:

  • 11 county chairmen selected Scozzafava as the Republican nominee in the New York special election.
  • The special election in New York's 23rd congressional district is a hotly contested race, with multiple candidates vying for the seat.
  • 69% to 31%: This is the margin by which voters in the Fresno area of California preferred a Democratic candidate over a Republican candidate in a recent special election (Source: 2009 California special election).
  • A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of independents believed that both parties are out of touch with the American people (Source: Pew Research Center, October 2009).

Sources:

  • Fox News Channel's "Your World" interview with Michael Steele (November 2, 2009)
  • Federal News Service's coverage of the Sacramento tea party rally ( Spring 2009)
  • Pew Research Center's survey on public opinion (October 2009)
  • California's 2009 special election results
  • Federal News Service's transcript of the RNC meeting (exact date not specified)

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